The White House's announcement came not long after aides said Obama had called Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus "to express his condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims of today’s mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard." Obama "also commended the brave Navy personnel and local law enforcement who worked in concert with federal authorities to respond to this tragedy," the White House said.

He continues to be briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco and Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco.